By Daily Democrat
News Desk
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has signalled a new phase of aggressive growth and transformation after its management, led by Director-General Major-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, held a high-level strategic retreat to review performance, evaluate ongoing projects and map out ambitious priorities for the future.
The retreat brought together the Authority’s top management to assess progress made over the past year and develop strategies aimed at strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness as the preferred maritime and logistics gateway in West Africa. According to the Authority, the exercise reaffirmed management’s commitment to visionary leadership, operational excellence and the successful execution of strategic initiatives that will sustain GPHA’s long-term growth.
Since assuming office in February 2025, Major-General Tanye-Kulono has pursued an ambitious agenda focused on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, operational efficiency and customer service. His administration has consistently maintained that Ghana’s ports must become the most efficient and competitive in the sub-region while supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Among the flagship initiatives being championed under his leadership is the implementation of full 24-hour operations at the Tema and Takoradi ports, a move designed to speed up cargo clearance, reduce delays and improve service delivery for importers, exporters and transit traders. The initiative is expected to boost trade and position Ghana as the preferred transit corridor for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The Authority has also intensified work on critical infrastructure projects, including ongoing dredging works at the Tema Port to accommodate larger vessels and improve navigational safety. During a recent inspection, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe commended the steady progress of the project, describing it as vital to enhancing the country’s maritime competitiveness.
Another major milestone under the current administration is the advancement of the proposed Keta Port and Harbour Project. Following the acquisition of the Environmental Protection Agency permit, GPHA has announced plans to engage stakeholders on the next phase of the project, with dozens of companies already expressing interest in its development. The project is expected to unlock enormous investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth in the Volta Region.
Management has also undertaken inspections of major road infrastructure projects within the Tema Port enclave to improve cargo movement, ease congestion and enhance overall port efficiency.
In addition, the Director-General has strongly advocated the removal of VAT and COVID-19 levies on transit cargo, arguing that such reforms would significantly reduce the cost of doing business and make Ghana’s ports more attractive to regional traders.
Officials say the strategic retreat provided an opportunity to evaluate these initiatives, identify emerging challenges and align management behind a common vision of innovation, digitalisation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Management reaffirmed its determination to continuously improve port operations while strengthening GPHA’s contribution to Ghana’s economic development, industrialisation and regional trade integration.
With major infrastructure projects progressing steadily, 24-hour port operations now in effect, and new investments on the horizon, industry observers believe the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history under the leadership of Major-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono.
